U.S. patent application number 13/147645 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-24 for set of twin wheels.
This patent application is currently assigned to TYRE TRADE DK APS. Invention is credited to Felix Paludan Ratgen.
Application Number | 20110285195 13/147645 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42167750 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110285195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ratgen; Felix Paludan |
November 24, 2011 |
SET OF TWIN WHEELS
Abstract
The present invention concerns a twin wheel set including twin
wheel, intermediate ring and fixing means for coaxial mounting of
the twin wheel set on a wheel of a vehicle, where twin wheel as
well as vehicle wheel include a rim, preferably a steel rim with
tyre. The new feature of the invention consist of the fixing means
at least comprising an adjustable clamping ring, preferably a steel
ring, for bearing on the rim periphery of the twin wheel at the
side facing away from the vehicle wheel, preferably against at
least one face on the inner peripheral area of the rim on a twin
wheel. By using the outer side of the rim for contact with the
adjustable clamping ring, there is achieved an independency of
welding means thereon to which clamping devices are to be fixed on
the twin wheel itself. By using a clamping ring which is not fixed
to the twin wheel, a kind of universal clamping ring can be applied
which possibly may be adapted to different sizes of twin wheels,
and which therefore implies less need for keeping may different
articles in stock at the producer.
Inventors: |
Ratgen; Felix Paludan;
(Vejen, DK) |
Assignee: |
TYRE TRADE DK APS
Vejen
DK
|
Family ID: |
42167750 |
Appl. No.: |
13/147645 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
February 2, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DK10/50028 |
371 Date: |
August 3, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
301/36.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
301/36.1 |
International
Class: |
B60B 11/02 20060101
B60B011/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 3, 2009 |
DK |
PA 2009 00159 |
Claims
1-9. (canceled)
10. A twin wheel set including twin wheel, intermediate ring and
fixing means for coaxial mounting of the twin wheel set on a wheel
of a vehicle, where the twin wheel as well as the vehicle wheel
include a rim, preferably a steel rim with tyre, where the fixing
means at least include a clamping ring, preferably a steel ring,
for bearing against the rim periphery of the twin wheel at the side
facing away from the vehicle wheel, preferably against at least one
face of the inner peripheral area of the rim on a twin wheel,
wherein the twin wheel set includes a clamping ring, with an
external circumference, where the external circumference is
adjustable by one or more adjusting screws, where said clamping
ring preferably is a loose clamping ring.
11. Twin wheel set according to claim 10, wherein the clamping ring
is provided with circular cross-section and preferably made of
round steel.
12. Twin wheel set according to claim 10, wherein the clamping ring
is provided with angular cross-section and preferably made of flat
steel.
13. Twin wheel set according to claim 10, wherein the clamping ring
is provided with rolled cross-section, where part of the
cross-section substantially fits with part of the cross-section of
the rim.
14. Twin wheel set according to claim 10, wherein twin wheel and
intermediate ring can be separated.
15. Twin wheel set according to claim 14, wherein the intermediate
ring is exchangeable with a wider or narrower intermediate
ring.
16. Twin wheel set according to claim 14, wherein the intermediate
ring is provided with adjustable width.
17. Twin wheel set according to claim 10, wherein the fixing means
further include one or more clamping devices which are arranged in
non-extendable connection between the vehicle wheel and the loose
adjustable clamping ring.
18. Twin wheel set according to claim 17, wherein the clamping
devices are screw connections, preferably screw connections
combined with a mechanical closing and locking mechanism.
19. Twin wheel set according to claim 13, wherein twin wheel and
intermediate ring can be separated.
20. Twin wheel set according to claim 16, wherein the fixing means
further include one or more clamping devices which are arranged in
non-extendable connection between the vehicle wheel and the loose
adjustable clamping ring.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention concerns a twin wheel set, including
twin wheel, intermediate ring and fixing means for coaxial mounting
of the twin wheel set on a wheel of a vehicle, where the twin wheel
as well as the vehicle wheel include a rim, preferably a steel rim
with tyre, where the fixing means at least include a clamping ring,
preferably a steel ring, for bearing against the rim periphery of
the twin wheel at the side facing away from the vehicle wheel,
preferably against at least one face of the inner peripheral area
of the rim on a twin wheel.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] It is commonly known that in industry and farming, twin
mounted wheels are used, i.e. an additional wheel mounted on each
of the original wheels of the vehicle in question. The purpose of
twin wheels is to distribute the load from the vehicle across a
larger area and at the same time achieve a better grip in the base
for the drive wheels on the vehicle.
[0005] On farms, such twin wheels are often used in certain
seasons, and therefore it is advantageous that these twin wheels
can be mounted and dismounted according to need. According to the
prior art, this is achieved in that between the wheel and the twin
wheel there is arranged a kind of clamping device that presses the
two wheels against each other. The clamping device is often fixed
at one end to the rim of the vehicle and at the other end to an
intermediate ring on a twin wheel. In order to ensure that the two
wheels are centred precisely in relation to each other, the said
intermediate ring is used, typically welded to the rim of the twin
wheel. This intermediate ring has a diameter that fits into the rim
of the vehicle, and thus an appropriate centering is achieved. The
intermediate ring has further the advantage of creating the
required distance between two wheels so that the tyre sides are not
pressed against each other, or such that the spacing between the
two wheels becomes so great that it fits with the row spacing of
crops on an agricultural field. The fixing to the vehicle wheels is
effected by an anchoring member adapted for the purpose, e.g. an
eye bolt or the like, while often there is used an annular collar
on the intermediate ring for fixing the other end of the clamping
device. A typical clamping device is provided with an adjustable
drawbar provided with a closing/clamping mechanism where, as
mentioned, there are fixing means at both ends. In most cases, an
assembly between a twin wheel and a vehicle wheel include between
four and eight clamping devices, but more or fewer may also be
applied.
[0006] From GB 2 031 351 A is known such a solution where a twin
wheel is mounted while applying an intermediate ring and a number
of clamping devices which are moved into position along a clamping
ring, which is welded on the periphery of the rim.
[0007] The fact that the intermediate ring is welded on the rim of
the twin wheel creates some inexpediencies. When a tractor or a
contractor's machine is to be equipped with twin mounting, it is
very often a wish from the customer that these wheels should be
delivered with the same colour as that of the original wheels. This
causes the delivery time for a set of twin wheels to appear long,
as the rims are often first to be painted, or alternatively are
first to be welded with the desired intermediate ring, and
subsequently be painted in the desired colour. If a dealer of twin
wheels wants to shorten the delivery time, he is actually required
to have a disproportionately large stock of prefabricated rims of
different dimensions and of different sizes of intermediate rings,
respectively. By having this large stock, where part of or all rims
may be painted in the most current colours, a reasonably short
delivery time may be achieved. However, typically it appears that
this large stock is not attractive for the supplier as orders for
making twin wheels that are not in stock occur anyway. Moreover, it
is obviously a drawback with too large stock with rims adapted for
specific needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Therefore, it is the object of the invention to indicate a
solution to the above problems where the stock as well as the
delivery time can be minimised appreciably compared with the prior
art types of twin wheels. Moreover, it is an object to indicate a
solution to a twin wheel where the spacing between wheel and twin
wheel can be adjusted.
[0009] As mentioned in the introduction, the invention concerns a
twin wheel set, including twin wheel, intermediate ring and fixing
means for coaxial mounting of the twin wheel set on a wheel of a
vehicle, where the twin wheel as well as the vehicle wheel include
a rim, preferably a steel rim with tyre, where the fixing means at
least include a clamping ring, preferably a steel ring, for bearing
against the rim periphery of the twin wheel at the side facing away
from the vehicle wheel, preferably against at least one face of the
inner peripheral area of the rim on a twin wheel. The new feature
according to the invention is that the twin wheel set includes a
clamping ring with an external circumference, where the external
circumference is adjustable by one or more adjusting screws, where
said clamping ring preferably is a loose clamping ring.
[0010] The clamping ring may hereby be more or less loose relative
to the rim of the twin wheel. The tightness by which the clamping
ring fits against the rim of the twin wheel may be adjustable, as
the clamping ring may be with an external circumference which is
adjustable, preferably by one or more adjusting screws. By using a
loose clamping ring, there is achieved the advantage that the
clamping ring can be used for different rim widths, and in some
cases for different rim diameters, e.g. 28'' and 30'' rims, and
hence the stock at the producer can be minimised while at the same
time many advantages are achieved by using modular elements.
[0011] By using the outer side of the rim for contact with the
clamping ring, there is achieved independency of welding such means
thereon to which clamping devices are to be fixed on the twin wheel
itself By using a clamping ring which is not fixed to the twin
wheel, a kind of universal clamping ring can be applied which
possibly may be adapted to different sizes of twin wheels, and
which therefore implies less need for keeping may different
articles in stock at the producer or the sales outlet. By making
the mentioned clamping ring in a neutral colour, e.g. in galvanised
steel, there is achieved the advantage that a clamping ring, which
does take up much space, can be used together with rims painted in
a colour that fit the vehicle on which the twin wheel is to be
mounted, without disturbing the overall impression.
[0012] A clamping ring according to the invention may be with a
circular cross-section, preferably made of round steel, or with
angular cross-section, preferably made of flat steel. It is thus
possible to make a clamping ring that is suited for the specific
rim design or as a kind of universal solution which is suited for
innumerable different rim designs.
[0013] A particular preferred embodiment of a clamping ring is
where the clamping ring is provided with rolled cross-section,
where part of the cross-section substantially fits part of the
cross-section of the rim. The clamping ring may e.g. be with a
first cylindric part with a first diameter and with yet a cylindric
part with another diameter, where these cylindric parts are
connected with an entirely or partially radial part of the clamping
ring. In other words, the clamping ring can be designed such that
it corresponds to part of the outermost internal geometries of a
rim for a twin wheel. The clamping ring may furthermore be provided
with one or more upright edges and/or beads for engaging clamping
devices which are mounted and act between the clamping ring and the
wheel of the vehicle.
[0014] In another variant of a twin wheel set according to the
invention, twin wheel and intermediate ring are capable of being
separated. Hereby is also achieved the possibility of avoiding
welds between rim and intermediate ring. Hereby is achieved the
great advantage that the intermediate ring can be replaced by a
wider or narrower intermediate ring. It is thus possible to adapt
the spacing between twin wheel and vehicle wheel with regard to
specific needs. At the same time, this provides the possibility of
reduced stock, as intermediate rings and rims may be paired freely.
For example, it may be wanted that there is a small spacing between
the wheels when working the soil, while there is a wish for a given
spacing between the wheels by other work, e.g. where fields with
crops in rows are treated and to which the wheel spacing is to be
adapted. These intermediate rings may advantageously be made in
widths of 50 mm steps, e.g. widths of 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400,
450 mm or more, depending on the actual rim design.
[0015] In another variant, the intermediate ring may have
adjustable width. For example with one or more detachable
intermediate ring parts that may be bolted together or just mounted
in mutual continuation.
[0016] A twin wheel set with fixing means according to the
invention further includes one or more clamping devices which are
arranged in non-extendable connection between the vehicle wheel and
the adjustable clamping ring. These clamping devices are thus
mounted between the clamping device which is mounted at the outer
rim edge of the twin wheel and an anchoring on the vehicle wheel,
preferably on the rim plate of this wheel.
[0017] The mentioned clamping devices may advantageously be screw
connections, preferably screw connections combined with a
mechanical closing and locking mechanism. Adjusting these clamping
devices may be effected by using tools, but may also be effected
manually without tools according to known principles.
[0018] The invention is described in the following with reference
to the drawing, wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a twin mounting;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows an adjustable clamping ring;
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a detail with a rolled clamping ring mounted in
a rim; and
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a rim with a rolled clamping ring and with a
clamping part.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In FIG. 1 appears a cross-section of a twin mounting
consisting of a vehicle wheel 1 without tyres, with rim 3 and with
rim plate 4, and of a twin wheel 5, also with rim 7. Between the
two rims 3 and 7 appears an intermediate ring 8.
[0024] The two rims 3 and 7 are held clamped together with several
clamping devices 9, but here is only shown one of them. At one end,
the clamping device 9 is fixed to an anchor 10 which is fastened to
the rim plate 4 and at the other end to a clamping ring 11 which
bears against the rim 7 of the twin wheel at the outward facing
side of the latter. The clamping ring 11 is in principle a loose
clamping ring 11 which is not permanently mounted by welding or
similar to the rim 7. The clamping device 9 can be made in
different ways, but in a preferred variant it is provided with
adjustable length and with a closing device 12 with a kind of claw
or clamp part 13 that ensures a secure connection to the clamping
ring 11, and at the same time allows a rapid and certain tightening
of the closing device 12.
[0025] The intermediate ring 8 is neither welded to the rim 3 of
the vehicle nor to the rim 7 of the twin wheel. It is thus a loose
intermediate ring 8 which may be adapted to the diameter of the rim
3, 7 with a desired tightness. A loose intermediate ring 8 can be
glued in the rim 7, but may advantageously be loose and thereby
easily replaceable. Thus it is possible to have several
intermediate rings 8 with different widths, providing the
possibility of adapting the entire twin mounting to a specific
need. The great advantage of using a loose intermediate ring 8 and
a loose clamping ring 11 is that no weldings have to be made on the
rim 7 for a twin wheel 5. Respective intermediate rings 8 and
clamping rings 11 are thus universal items that may be applied
according to need with regard to a specific order, without having
to weld the items together and subsequently paint them.
[0026] The previously mentioned clamping device 9 also includes a
drawbar 17 that extends between the anchor part 10 on the vehicle
rim 3 and the closing device 12. The drawbar 17 is adjustably
connected to the closing device 12 that includes the clamp part 13
which acts directly on the clamping ring 11. The closing device 12
can be secured against loosening by accident by a safety pin which
is mounted in a hole 18 in the closing device 12.
[0027] In FIG. 2 appears a variant of a clamping ring 11 made of
round steel and which is rolled with a diameter corresponding to an
internal diameter of a rim 7. The diameter of the shown clamping
ring 11 can be slightly adjusted by performing an adjustment by the
shown adjusting screw 14. In FIG. 2 is furthermore seen a clamp
part 13 which is part of the clamping device 9. The clamp part 13
is only shown as an example and may be designed in many different
ways.
[0028] In FIG. 3 appears a detail of a rim 7 with a rolled clamping
ring 11. The clamping ring 11 is rolled with a geometry
substantially corresponding to the internal geometry of the rim and
hence fitting perfectly into the rim 7. At the external side, a
radial flange 15 is seen extending towards the centre of the rim
and the clamping ring, and at the internal side of the clamping
ring 11 appears a bead 16 that also extends towards the centre of
the rim and the clamping ring. The flange 15 and the bead 16 have
the purpose of ensuring sufficient rigidity in the clamping ring 11
and also to provide contact faces for the previously mentioned
clamp part 13. The clamp part 13 may advantageously be designed
with a shape following the internal geometry of the clamping
ring.
[0029] In FIG. 4 appears a rim 7 with a clamping ring 11 where the
clamping ring is mounted at the external side of the rim geometry
and by a shown clamp part 13. The clamp part 13 is intended for
contact with a not shown clamping device 9 including a closing
device 12.
* * * * *